Slain ISWAP cameraman’s camcorder sparks probe into alleged foreign terror support

The Nigerian military says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered a Sony camcorder from a slain ISWAP cameraman, with preliminary forensic analysis of its contents allegedly revealing the involvement of foreign operatives in the terrorist group’s activities in Borno State.

The discovery followed a failed infiltration attempt by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters at Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to military sources, the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, when the insurgents attempted to advance on the troops’ position under the cover of darkness. However, soldiers attached to the 19 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly detected the movement early and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon the operation and retreat.

The military said intelligence gathered after the encounter indicated that the terrorists had intended to loot medical supplies meant for the treatment of cholera patients.

Military authorities further disclosed that the failed operation corroborated recent intelligence suggesting that a cholera outbreak had spread across several ISWAP camps, with reports alleging that the group executed some infected members in an effort to contain the disease.

During the exchange of gunfire, one of the terrorists identified as an ISWAP cameraman was killed. Troops subsequently recovered a Sony camcorder from the scene, along with several operational materials.

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According to Operation Hadin Kai, preliminary forensic examination of the camera’s recordings uncovered operational footage and propaganda materials allegedly linking four senior ISWAP commanders with three foreign terrorist facilitators who coordinated the failed assault.

The military identified one of the foreign suspects as Abu Ishaq, described as a Palestinian Arab believed to serve as ISWAP’s chief trainer. Another was identified as Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan medical doctor allegedly providing medical support within the terrorist organisation. Authorities said the identity of a third foreign operative captured in the footage is yet to be established.

The military stated that the findings reinforced existing intelligence assessments indicating that ISWAP continues to benefit from foreign training, medical expertise and specialist support from international terrorist networks.

Following the operation, troops conducted a search of the area and recovered several items, including rounds of PKT ammunition, 7.62mm special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat equipment abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.

Operation Hadin Kai also disclosed that post-operation satellite imagery showed suspected ISWAP members evacuating the bodies of fallen fighters from the battlefield during their withdrawal.

In addition, human intelligence sources reportedly confirmed that the terrorist group suffered significant casualties during the encounter, while several other fighters escaped with gunshot wounds.

The military, however, said two soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange. They were immediately evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment and are currently in stable condition.

Operation Hadin Kai described the failed infiltration as another significant blow against ISWAP’s operations in the North-East and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across the region.